This chapter once again stays true to the writing style of Mahfouz, filled with animal imagery. In the earlier chapters, the audience usually assumed that the imagery was used with negative connotations. However, in this chapter, Mahfouz chooses to use the imagery to describe Said, as he approaches the house of Rauf Ilwan. Said is described as stalking “…like a cat creeping on its belly toward a bewildered sparrow.” (pg. 182) Furthermore, he can be seen as “crawling up to the villa on all fours…” (pg. 184) Lastly, Rauf calls Said an “insect” (pg. 187), which emphasizes the fact that perhaps, Mahfouz is specifically referring to Said as an animal, because of some of his animalistic, barbaric behaviours.
However, this chapter is not only dominated by animal imagery, but also with an image of death. While discussing Rauf Ilwan’s treacherous acts, Said states, “So this is the real Rauf Ilwan, the naked reality – a partial corpse not even decently underground.” (pg. 181) Furthermore, the audience will learn that this idea does not only occur in this chapter alone, but that Mahfouz repeats the use of this type of imagery in later chapters. This piece of imagery illustrates how much the protagonist despises treachery, and illustrates to the audience that Said is not one to forgive, without retaliation.
Tags: animal imagery, death imagery, Mahfouz
